LAHORE : The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) arrested a suspect involved in selling dead poultry from Tollinton Market and discarded a large quantity of unhealthy meat during a city-wide crackdown on meat shops and suppliers on Saturday.
Acting on the directions of PFA DG Asim Javed, food safety teams inspected 43 meat shops and suppliers across Lahore.
During the operation, fines were imposed on four outlets, while a case was registered against the arrested individual.
According to a spokesperson, a total of 84,335 kilograms of meat was checked, out of which 1,950 kilograms of chickens and prepared meat were discarded after being found unfit for human consumption.
The DG PFA said the confiscated poultry was suffering from diseases, including infections, and was underweight, posing serious health risks.
He further revealed that the diseased chickens were intended to be supplied to various shops in Tollinton Market.
Poor hygiene arrangements were also observed at several outlets, while workers were found without mandatory medical certificates. The DG emphasised that preparing and selling meat from diseased poultry is a serious offense and will not be tolerated. He added that the authority is working to implement internationally standardized systems for meat processing and distribution.
He said all available resources are being utilized to eliminate the fraudulent mafia involved in the illegal meat trade and to ensure the provision of safe and quality food to the public.
